Metal Angle Materials: Which One is Best?
5 May 2025
Choosing the right material for your angle iron project can make all the difference between a build that lasts for years and one that needs repairs within months. Different materials offer different strengths – whether that’s load-bearing capacity, corrosion resistance, ease of fabrication or appearance.
Article in Brief
Mild steel angle is strong and affordable but needs protection against rust.
Aluminium angle is lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and easy to work with.
Brass angle is decorative and corrosion-resistant but softer and more expensive.
Galvanised steel angle is tough and highly rust-resistant, ideal for outdoor use.
Stainless steel angle offers maximum strength and corrosion resistance for high-end, demanding environments.
Order cut-to-size angle products from The Metal Store with free cutting and next-day UK delivery.
Mild Steel Angle Iron
Strengths:
- Excellent strength for load-bearing structures.
- Affordable and easy to weld, cut, and drill.
- Ideal for large projects on a budget.
Weaknesses:
- Will rust if left untreated.
- Needs painting, powder-coating, or galvanising for outdoor use.
Typical uses:
- Building frameworks, shelving, structural supports, machinery bases, DIY furniture.
Pro tip: If you’re working indoors or planning to paint your project, mild steel angle is a cost-effective, reliable choice.
Aluminium Angle
Strengths:
- Lightweight – around one-third the weight of steel.
- Naturally corrosion-resistant (forms a protective oxide layer).
- Very easy to cut, drill, and weld with basic tools.
Weaknesses:
- Not as strong as steel under heavy loads.
- More expensive than mild steel.
Typical uses:
- Lightweight frameworks, transport structures, marine projects, decorative builds, and outdoor furniture.
Pro tip: Aluminium angle is perfect when you need easy handling, reduced weight, and rust-resistance without extra coatings.
Brass Angle
Strengths:
- Attractive golden finish – ideal for decorative and architectural projects.
- Highly corrosion-resistant and non-magnetic.
- Easy to work with for smaller, detailed projects.
Weaknesses:
- Softer material – not suitable for heavy load-bearing applications.
- Premium cost compared to mild steel or aluminium.
Typical uses:
- Decorative trims, luxury fixtures, architectural detailing, and furniture accents.
Pro tip: If appearance is important, nothing beats the natural warmth and luxury of brass.
Galvanised Steel Angle
Strengths:
- Made from mild steel coated in zinc for superior rust protection.
- Extremely tough and durable for outdoor environments.
- Cost-effective way to protect steel from corrosion without expensive alloys.
Weaknesses:
- Galvanised coatings can scratch if handled roughly, exposing the steel underneath.
- Welding requires extra care as the zinc coating can produce harmful fumes.
Typical uses:
- Outdoor frameworks, fencing, gates, external supports, construction bracing, agricultural buildings.
Pro tip: If your project is exposed to rain, moisture, or coastal conditions, galvanised steel angle is your best budget-friendly defence against rust.
Stainless Steel Angle
At the Metal Store, we sell both 304 grade stainless steel as well as 316 marine grade stainless steel.
Strengths:
- Offers the highest level of corrosion resistance among all the materials listed.
- Extremely strong and durable – great for both structural and decorative projects.
- Attractive modern finish, ideal for visible or high-end applications.
Weaknesses:
- Generally, one of the more expensive material options.
- Harder to cut and drill without specialist tools compared to mild steel or aluminium.
Typical uses:
- Marine structures, food processing plants, medical facilities, architectural features, luxury outdoor frameworks.
How They Compare: At A Glance
Mild Steel
- Strength: High
- Corrosion Resistance: Low (needs coating)
- Weight: Heavy
- Ease of Work: Easy
- Cost: £ (lowest)
- Appearance: Industrial grey
- Best For: Structural frameworks, shelving
Aluminium
- Strength: Medium
- Corrosion Resistance: High
- Weight: Light
- Ease of Work: Very easy
- Cost: £££
- Appearance: Bright silver
- Best For: Lightweight frames, marine use
Brass
- Strength: Medium
- Corrosion Resistance: High
- Weight: Medium
- Ease of Work: Easy
- Cost: £££££ (highest)
- Appearance: Decorative gold
- Best For: Decorative interiors
Galvanised Steel
- Strength: High
- Corrosion Resistance: Very high
- Weight: Heavy
- Ease of Work: Moderate
- Cost: ££
- Appearance: Dull silver
- Best For: Outdoor structures, fencing
Stainless Steel
- Strength: Very high
- Corrosion Resistance: Exceptional
- Weight: Heavy
- Ease of Work: Difficult
- Cost: ££££
- Appearance: Polished silver
- Best For: Marine, architectural, food-grade applications
Which Material Should You Choose?
- On a budget and need strength? → Mild Steel Angle
- Need lightweight and corrosion-resistant material? → Aluminium Angle
- Building luxury, decorative items? → Brass Angle
- Outdoor heavy-duty work? → Galvanised Steel Angle
- Top-end, extreme durability required? → Stainless Steel Angle
Pro tip: Always consider the project environment (indoor, outdoor, marine) and the look you want to achieve before picking your angle material.
Buy Cut-to-Size Angle Materials from The Metal Store
At The Metal Store, we offer cut-to-size mild steel, aluminium, brass, galvanised steel, and stainless steel angles, ready for whatever your project needs.
✅ Unlimited free cutting – no extra charges for getting exactly the size you need.
✅ Bulk discounts – perfect for trade or large-scale projects.
✅ Next-day delivery available across most of the UK.
✅ Expert support – if you need help choosing, our team is only a call or email away.
Browse our full range today and get metal made easy for your next project!
